Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Judy Martin

MILAN, Tenn. — Judy Martin has been teaching students at Milan Elementary for 16 years.

“Reading is wonderful,” Martin said. “It takes the kids to faraway places every day, and being in the library is the best place to be in the school, and it’s great to see them excited.”

It was Martin’s mother who gave her the inspiration to become a teacher. That’s why she said she went to school at Lambuth to major in library sciences.

Martin said she loves to watch her students progress.

“By the time they’re in 4th grade, they’re reading Harry Potter and the big, thick books,” she said. “It’s really amazing to see them go, and I like to keep up with them when they get in middle school and high school and see how they’ve progressed and then graduate.”

For Martin, reading is an escape, and she loves to see kids escape from their everyday pressures.

“These children are under a lot of pressure. They have a lot of homework and grades and tests, and when you can read and just escape, it’s just a wonderful thing,” Martin said.

Martin is now eligible to be the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month. Starting in April, to vote for her or any of the other educators, visit seehowitaddsup.com.

To nominate a teacher for our weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.